Abstract: A structure and method is provided for absorbing excess fat from an environment including one or more fats insolubly combined in an aqueous solution mix. The structure includes a plurality of layers, at least one of which is formed from a preferentially fat-permeable, oleophilic material having a greater affinity for fat than for the aqueous solution. Preferably, the structure includes particular structural and topographic components that effectively enhance the inherent fat-affinity of the oleophilic material. The absorption structure is easily employed by introducing it into an environment such as a soup, broth, etc., having fat residing in an aqueous solution. The structure acts to attract and absorb at least a portion of the fat which can then be extracted from the solution. A process for forming the multi-layer absorption structure is also provided.

Abstract: A finger-mounted dental instrument servicing system is provided, the system including a socket-forming member having a first end of predetermined contour, and a resiliently deformable cushion having a first end of a contour which mimics the contour of socket-forming member's first end. The cushion thus may be provided with a plurality of distinct surface regions, each surface region being configured to receive endodontic files or related instruments of a particular size or type. In this manner, the servicing system may be used both to service the files, and as a dental organizer. A finger mount is attached to the socket-forming member, accommodating use of the system by a wearer without the need for an additional pair of hands.

Abstract: A dental organizer is provided which includes an opaque base having plural wells configured to contain light-sensitive materials and an opaque cover pivotally coupled with the base so as to protect light-sensitive materials both from spillage and from exposure to light. The cover is configured to engage the base when in a closed orientation, such cover including a plurality of projecting plugs which mate with the wells to seal the onboard light-sensitive materials in the wells. A resilient hinge is mounted intermediate the base and cover, such hinge accommodating pivotal opening and closing of the cover relative to the base. The hinge typically is configured to bias the cover toward an open orientation wherein the cover defines an acute angle relative to the base so as to at least partially shade the onboard materials from light.

Abstract: A finger-mounted dental instrument servicing system is provided which is adapted both to clean a dental instrument and to carry a medicament which may be applied thereto. The system includes socket-forming member which defines a socket to which both a cushion and medicament holder are secured. The socket-forming member also carries a finger mount by which the system is made attachable to a user's hand. The medicament holder is configured to hold a medicament such as dental paste adjacent the cushion so that an instrument may be both cleaned and charged with a dosage of medicament on a single pass.

Abstract: A sterilization container is provided which includes interengageable, overlapping, hollow cap and base portions which, when combined, define a cavity and a fluid passage in the region of overlap to allow for continuous fluid flow from the outside to the inside of the container.

Abstract: A hygiene-promoting, dental mandrel/polishing-wheel system. The system includes a universal mandrel which can be mounted for rotation either within a chuck or upon an arbor. The mandrel includes a wheel anchor station which allows quick axial fitting and removal of a disposable polishing wheel.

Abstract: Apparatus for aspirating liquids and debris which collect near the working region of a dental dam. The apparatus includes a head adapted to extend removably and sealingly through a stretched aperture in such a dam, with the head having aspirating ports that open on opposite surfaces of the dam. These ports couple with an exhaust passage, which extends on the nonworking side of the dam, and which is adapted for coupling to a flexible suction conduit.

Abstract: Ring-like apparatus for use in handling endodontic files. The apparatus includes a socket member forming a tapered socket having a larger upper end and a smaller lower end. A deformable tapered cushion is receivable in the socket, with a portion of the cushion projecting through the socket's lower end. When such portion is pulled downwardly and then released, it bulges against the socket member, at the socket's lower end, forming a bulge which holds the cushion releasably in the socket. Files may be embedded releasably in the opposite (upper) end of the cushion. The apparatus includes a band enabling wearing of the apparatus on a user's finger. A trough arrangement formed in the apparatus, cooperating with a calibration scale, allows the user to adjust, with his free hand, the position of a file depth marker slidably held on a file's shaft.